Tour Guide, Mandalay, Myanmar
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So, it is the new year festival for Myanmar people and this festival is held at Thailand, Cambodia, Laos at the same time. As this is gazetted holiday, almost all citizens participate for every single day.
Thingyan, the water festival is always celebrated in mid-April and for 3 or 4 days long. This period is at Tagu, the beginning of Burmese Calendar so it is considered the new year.
According to the belief of Buddhism, Bhama (head of angel) descends to the human abode to take lists of people based on good-deeds and bad-deeds during this period. So, the Buddha images are washed, and monks are offered alms by donors. Most elders go to the monastery, meditation centers for doing good things. But, some are happy to participate in this festival. It is also marked by dousing people with water and festive behavior such as dancing, singing, and theatrical performances followed by occasional songs and modern music.
Earlier, people used to throw water with bug or plastic water carrier on each other. However, now they use modern machines and showers for throwing water.
Some people do complimentary serving for sage and snacks to others. Young men enter into monasticism as monk for at least 7 days in this period. People recite the teachings of Buddha by grouping. In this period, offices are closed.
So, come and make the most your trip to Myanmar during this festival.